mineral

Gold Nugget

Native Gold (Au)

Hardness: 2.5–3.0 on the Mohs scale. Color: Metallic golden-yellow. Luster: Metallic. Crystal structure: Isometric (though usually found in irregular shapes/nuggets). Malleability: Highly ductile and malleable. Specific Gravity: 19.3.

Hardness: 2
Color: Metallic golden-yellow
Luster: Metallic

Identified April 11, 2026More mineral →

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Physical properties

Formation & geological history

Formed through hydrothermal processes in quartz veins or concentrated in alluvial deposits (placer deposits) by the weathering of parent rock and water transportation. Geological ages vary from Archean to more recent eras.

Uses & applications

Used in jewelry, currency backing, electronics, dentistry, and aerospace due to its high conductivity and resistance to corrosion. Highly valued by collectors and investors.

Geological facts

Gold is so malleable that a single ounce can be beaten into a sheet covering 100 square feet. It is one of the few elements found in its 'native' or pure form in nature.

Field identification & locations

Identify in the field by its high density (feels very heavy for its size) and its lack of cleavage; unlike fool's gold (pyrite), it will dent or flatten when struck rather than shattering. Commonly found in riverbeds and mountainous regions known for volcanic activity.